We
strive to conserve, improve and protect what we have
inherited. We place eco-friendly production and worker
safety amongst our highest priorities, and by so doing,
we create a beautiful environment, which is linked to
a healthy, safe fruit.

*Soil:
We are acquainted with the Environment Conservation
Act. A consultant is always used to do a thorough study
before new development or planting takes place

*Water: Maintenance of irrigation systems and
pumps are carried out on monitoring system is implied.
Under no circumstance can water be contaminated by eg.
chemicals. The distance between water sources and potential
points of contamination is sufficient to prevent contamination
in the case of an accident of spillage.

* Energy: We strive to ensure that no waste
of energy occurs. Workers pay for their electricity.
All vehicles and equipment are purchase bearing a weekly
basis, preventing unnecessary waste of fuel.

* Waste: We have a waste managing plan, implemented
and fully controlled by trained people. Organic matter,
wherever possible, is used as mulch. Waste is contained
in a designated area on the farm (see map). Although
some materials are burned people and animals are not
effected.

*Noise: We are acquainted with the Occupational
Health and Safety Act. No farming equipment exceeds
the legal noise level. No tractor operator works continuously
for 6 hours without ear protection (noise level 85 decibels).

Responsible
Cultural Practices

On
Rekopane we strive for sustainable production of top
quality, healthy grapes - but which does not take place
at the cost of the environment or the safety of our
workers. Fertilisation, cultivation, irrigation and
pest and disease control are applied according to norms
recommended by proficient consultants.

*New
Plantings: An analysis of the physical characteristics
of the soil is done and suitable varieties are chosen
in consultation with a proficient consultant
Inter-row Management: Weed control is done and the weed-free
area is covered with chipped vine prunings.

*Nutrition: A laboratory accredited to perform
the task does leaf analysis. A proficient advisor (Doctor
Clauss Orth) ensures that nutrient balance is maintained.

* Water management: We are well aware that
water is scarce and very precious, and we strive to
minimize wastage by proper scheduling and regulation
of water use. People, responsible for the irrigation,
attend regular courses. The design of the irrigation
system is done by ANDRAG - a company specializing in
irrigation systems. A trained worker is being employed
to see that the drainage system is fully functional.

*Pruning and Canopy Management: This is planned
and executed according to the guidelines suggested in
the publication of G.G. van der Merwe and P.D. Geldenhuys.
work on a weekly basis on Rekopane - advising and implementing
pruning and canopy practices.
* Vineyard Sanitation: Workers are well trained
to cut out and remove any damaged or decaying berries,
without damaging sound ones. Infected berries are collected
and remove to designated area. (See map)

Responsible
Crop Protection:

We
are well aware of the buyers' needs and we are well
informed on the market demands. Our aim, therefore,
is to maintain sustainability in production, to promote
natural, biological control and to enhance the health
of the environment and the people.

*Use
of crop protection products: Only permitted dosages
and applications, as indicated on the labels of the
product is used. We have a proficient consultant, C
Liebenberg, (AVCASA certificate) advising us, and a
record and monitor system is implemented and ensures
that the maximum residue level allow on grapes is not
exceeded.

*At weekly meetings instructions for the preparation
and application of agro-chemical spray mixture is issued,
by the managing director to farm managers. Misunderstanding,
forgetting and subsequent faulty application are eliminated
by a thorough system of procedures and record keeping.

*With exemption of foliar feeds and other forms of fertilizers,
nobody is allowed into the vineyards within 24 hours
after any agro-chemical has been applied.

*WE ARE PROUD TO BOAST OF NO AGRO-CHEMICAL
ACCIDENTS, FOR THE LAST 18 YEARS

*All treatments are in accordance with the principles
in the Capespan ICM guidelines.

*All our vineyards are monitored regularly and the presence
and levels of all relevant pests and diseases as well
as nutrient disorders, are documented.

*All our vineyard monitors have completed the Capespan
Vineyard Monitor Course and they are in the possession
of a certificate proving the successful completion of
the course.

* Our spray programmes are based on the information
obtained from scientific monitor programmes.

*All scales are calibrated once a year and dates of
calibration, done by a proficient advisor, are recorded.

*Spray machines are calibrated and appropriate information
is indicated on a calibration sheet. The person responsible
for all calibration holds an AVCASA certificate.

* Our pest advisor has completed an IPM score evaluation.

OCCUPATIONAL,
HEALTH AND SAFETY:

We
maintain the health and safety of all our employees
by thorough training, development of proficiencies and
continuous evaluation of all activities.

Rekopane's
chemical store complies with all AVCASA standards.

*All
employees working with agro-chemicals wear proper protective
clothing and masks. Provision has been made in the chemical
store for all contaminated clothes to be washed and
cared for. Record keeping is done.

*Our spray operators have completed a Capespan course
in the Save Handling Of Agro-Chemicals.

* Medical check-ups are done annually at Upington Private
Hospital.

* Redundant agro-chemicals and containers are either
given back to the consultant or dealt with as specified
in the AVCASA guidelines.

*Our filling-up points are designed to collect spillage,
should it accidentally happen.

*We place a high value on vineyard sanitation and worker
health and hygiene practices. Personal hygiene and hygienic
handling practices, during harvesting and the packing
of grapes is of utmost importance.

*We have acquainted ourselves with the Occupational
Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993 and adhere to it.

*All employees have assess to a medical trained person
on the farm. People in need of medical attention are
taken to Gordonia Hospital (Upington) or Keimoes Hospital
(Keimoes) or the nearest doctor. Permanent employees,
as well as the foremen of all temporary employees, know
that there is a contact person at hand, should anyone
need medical attention at any time of the day or night.

WORKER
WELFARE:

*We
believe in equal opportunities in employment, including
training, without discrimination on the basis of race,
religion or gender.

*We are committed to the fair and just treatment and
remuneration. We acknowledge the stipulations of the
national legislation related to Worker Welfare Issues.